AWARD WINNING

There are so many fashionable clothes out there, but only few are award-winning. I am happy that two of the talented young designers that my partner Geo and I have come to love have won their respective design competitions recently, and that is certainly something to be proud of.

A few weeks back, ROLAND ALZATÉ has done it again by bagging another design title - this time he took the Grand Prize at the Look of Style Awards presented by Philippine Daily Inquirer and Look Magazine, and sponsored by the British Council. Roland bested 10 other finalists who competed in a fashion show featuring eco-chic-inspired looks, and will be on his road to high fashion as he flies to Central Saint Martins in London very soon. It can be remembered that Alzaté also won last year's Weaving the Future: A Social Design Competition organized by FDCP. Award-winning ka talaga Rense!

Eco Chic. Here are the winning entries of Rense using eco-friendly materials.

Winning moment. Rense gets applause and a bouquet after winning the Look of Style Award 2012.


Winner takes all. Rense being overtowered by his muses while wearing his winning pieces.

On the other hand, the fast-rising JEFFREY ROGADOR made our country proud by winning Jeansations 2 Best Jeans Award that was held in Monte Carlo, Monaco. His jean designs bested other 22 international multiple entries. A few weeks back, we tapped Jpoi to do the chic menswear clothes used in our Milanos fashion segment during the most recent Philippine Fashion Week. So proud of you sis!


Jeansational. Here are some of the design entries (in denim) made by Jpoi.

He got it! Jpoi posted this pic as soon as he won The Best Jean Award.

Go Forth. Jpoi with his Best Jean Design Award while wearing a Levi's tee (his sponsor).

To Rense and Jpoi, congratulations! I should pullout from both of you very soon, hihihi! Keep up the awesome work. :-)





NOTE: All pictures used here were grabbed from the Facebook pages of Rense & Jpoi.

Have a SLICE!

We've waited for almost an eternity (exag!) for this to come out, and finally - thank God! - we will be able to see the work we've done for the newest magalogue in town called SLICE.

The SLICE of life: Dual covers for the newest magalogue a) Product shot curated by Marlon Lacanilao and Bonnapart Galeng, photographed by Diego Lorenzo Jose; 2) Gwen Ruais on the cover, featuring Alchemy's yummy macaroons by Meryl Candice Go.

Now, my partner George and I understand the long process of doing the magalogue layouts - the first issue must look perfect, for Editor-in-Chief Ric Gindap is a perfectionist himself. We were wowed by the cover design, it's sleek and genuinely modern, very crisp and intelligently gathered all together.

From the same team that brought you MONDAY Magazine, our experience with SLICE is almost a reunion with old comrades Sir Ric, fashion editor Bonnapart Galeng, art director Marlon Lacanilao, HMUA Fred Penales of Hairshaft Salon and cover girl, Ms. World 1st Runner-up 2011, Gwen Ruais. SLICE is published by Altodesign, and you can get it for free in various high end shops, restaurants, hotels, coffee shops and other lifestyle establishments - very soon.

According to Sir Ric, SLICE started when they had an opportunity to collaborate with jewelry designer Wynn Wynn Ong's friends, Steve and Malou, who asked for his help in creating their products' magalog. Here are a few pages of the major layouts we did with delectable macaroons which got color-coordinated with high end chairs and home accessories along with a variously stylized Gwen Ruais.

Sweet Girl. Candice Go of Alchemy macaroons.

I can still remember how Gwen looked at me (as if crying for help) when we had her hair messed up and multi-colored, hehehe. Color-blocked geometric dress with leather patches by NOELLE LLAVE (to order at 09175023617)

Green with envy. Lime green short dress by ROLAND ALZATE (to order at 09178744600); Black X-belt by NOEL CRISOSTOMO (to order at 09178001622); Earrings and necklace both by FIRMA (Greenbelt 3).



Yellow Fever. Black draped long dress, yellow vest and belt, all by NOEL CRISOSTOMO (to order at 09178001622); Black platforms by JANYLIN (Glorietta 5).

For those who want to download the entire magazine for free, please LIKE this link: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Slice-Magazine-Philippines/459996290685139.




___________________________________________________________
Photography: Jar Concengco
Creative Direction: Ric Gindap
Layout & Art Direction: Marlon Lacanilao
Styling: Mike de Guzman and George Palmiano (MGP)
Assisted by: Sheila Marie Danipog
Hair & Makeup: Fred Penales (Hairshaft Salon)
Model: Gwendoline Ruais
(On the cover: Ivory vest top & gray skirt, both by
Xernan Orticio at Myth Greenbelt 5; Leatherette cuff by
Noelle Llave; Earrings by Firma)

EARTH, WIND, FIRE & WATER

A lot has been said about the PARISIAN fashion show segment at the most recent Philippine Fashion Week, and as stylists of the said portion (I mean George and I), we revel on the resounding good reviews in just about every blog that covered the said event. Cloud nine, in short!

RUN THE WORLD. Supermodel Ria Bolivar opens the Parisian segment. The stage design looks spectacular!

We have lots of reasons to thank everyone, especially our PARISIAN family (Marketing Head Ms. Rina Lacia-Bugayong, Merchandising Head Ms. Felanie Lim & her merchandising team, VP for LTBG Mr. Eugene Saw, etc.) and the whole creative team (Adfolio, especially) involved in putting up a great segment. Except for the fact that after setting the bar high, the SM Ladies Fashion slaughtered what could have been a showstopper as a whole - they presented never-ending collections of same-looking pieces to the yawn of the stylish crowd. If only they saw -- for one -- how supermodel/actress Melanie Marquez struggled to wake up from the sleepiness (while having a nightmare perhaps) that she went through that night!

I won't dwell on this problem of the SM Ladies Fashion, but certainly, I'll give kudos to fellow senior stylist Millet Arzaga for presenting much better styling this season, and going through that kind of seemingly-forever, herculean task that only the most patient can deliver.

OK, enough of that!

THE ELEMENTALS. Parisian shoes galore!

Just a bit of nostalgia: during conceptualization stages for the PARISIAN show, George and I were thinking of practical yet exploding-with-showmanship-level-kind-of-fashion that will be fiercely-sexy, but transits from summer to rainy season. Inspired by the plastic coats, coverups and dresses by Burberry Prorsum, Louis Vuitton and Dolce & Gabbana from past collections, our dreams were coated with plastic and were delighted to the fact that PARISIAN has a whole assortment of gorgeous-looking lucite heels with plastic straps, and some cute transparent plastic-made bags, too. We realized we were totally in synch with each other!

PLASTIC-COATED DREAMS. Clothes done by Louis Claparols line-up at the backstage.

ANOTHER TAKE. A better snapshot by our styling associate Maika Dy.

And since we were raving about the swimsuits layered with lace dresses that designer LOUIS CLAPAROLS presented for his S/S 2012 at last October for PFW, we immediately tapped him to do the whole ensembles made of plastics with swimsuits underneath for the show. Aside from his creative talent, it was also such an easier thing for us to collaborate with him because makeup guru BOBBY CARLOS (who does the makeup for our PARISIAN ad campaigns & videos) is his partner. The result was astounding, the creations of Louis made us all say wow!

TWO TO TANGO. Designer of the moment, Louis Claparols backstage with his other half, Bobby Carlos of Max factor.

But of course, these plastic ensembles are not for everyone. These were custom-made for the PARISIAN show, to match the new collections of shoes while making an impact. You will have to be model-esque or super fierce to pull these off (asa pa the others saying they wouldn't be caught wearing one).

TRIFECTA. Main stylist for Parisian George Palmiano chit-chatting with fellow stylist Ram Rivera and Adfolio's head honcho Lora Gabuna-Antenor.

SKIRTING THE ISSUE. My partner George Palmiano fixes the skirt of Ria Bolivar while the ever-skinny Irish Ong looks on just before the show.

BEND OVER. Statuesque model Marita Ganse checks out the shoes while smiling for my camera.

CAUGHT IN COMMOTION. Our styling assistants attend to models Ana Sideco, Irish Ong and Michelle Panemanglor.

PICHURRRR, PICHURRRR! Our associate stylist Maika Dy side-by-side with celebrity/model Victor Basa while waiting for gf Divine Lee backstage.

PARISIAN, obviously with its latest marketing & merchandising efforts, is going leaps and bounds to establish itself as the country's leading stylish footwear brand for ladies from all walks of life. The new collection of shoes, called ELEMENTS, gets its inspiration from earth, wind, fire and water (thus the name).

SHOE MANIA. Nautical-colored shoes from the water collection. (Photo by Maika Dy)

The show opened up with the Water collection, which consisted of architectural-type heels and wedges in nautical hues of blue, red and yellow with metallic gold trims. On the other hand, the Air collection typified its colorless characteristic with lucite heels and plastic straps. The Earth collection was automatically neutral with lots of wooden details. Lastly, the Fire collection was all about bright-hot colors in simmering palettes of red, black, fuchsia and orange.

In a show directed by the super-nice Cata Figueroa, here are runway shots and others for your viewing pleasure:

PATRONAGE. The anxious crowd awaits. (Photo by Maika Dy)

The show starts with the Water Collection. Super loveeee those transparent skirts and those plastic bags with shoes inside!

The Air Collection delights the audience with lucite heels and plastic straps perfect for modern-day Cinderellas. 

The Earth Collection takes centerstage.

The 4th Element: Fire Collection heats up the stage.

Models prepare for the finale.

Front face...

Then back turn... Models spell out P-A-R-I-S-I-A-N perfectly, thank God!

My partner George Palmiano catches up with stylist friends post-show - Reg Rodriguez, Rudolph Leonor and Mikka Velasquez. (Photo grabbed from heyrocketgirl.com)

Finally, my only moment with the camera - with Flor Maximo & Ricci del Rosario of LTBG, and young stylists Mikka Velasquez & Rudolph Leonor. Thanks Reg Rodriguez of heyrocketgirl.com for this pic!

SHOE HEAVEN. This is what it looks like backstage after the show! (Photo by Maika Dy)

Check out the new collections of PARISIAN now available in SM Department Stores nationwide. Also watch out for my blog about the PARISIAN Elements Ad Campaign for PFW very soon!






NOTE: Runway photos from PARISIAN Facebook account.

VALENTINO ROCKS THE BARONG

We've always thought of the Barong Tagalog as our National Costume, and have come across various creative and palatable renditions done by our local designers in jusi, piña or banana fabric. But how about this - the Barong seen catapulting its iconic status (as strictly Filipino) on international runway via Italian fashion powerhouse, VALENTINO for its Spring/Summer 2012 RTW collection?

In spreading news, fashion insiders (who are quick to notice) saw two pieces from VALENTINO's runway show resemble the Barong very closely. It is not known, though, if the said garments were derived from our National Costume, or just coincidental. However, VALENTINO took this to another level (with the sheer trend probably in mind) and made the Barong look so chic and modern on women by pairing it with lacey, see-thru skirts.

Photos from www.style.com

More enticingly, these two very elegant looks also made its way on VALENTINO's S/S 2012 ad campaign:

Although the Barong is usually intended for Filipino men in formal occasions, it is quite refreshing to recognize it being worn in such a delicate, ladylike manner. When VALENTINO cut it slim, romanticized it with thin belts and skirts, we all must agree that the global brand rocked the Barong - if that's the case!

ALL STARS

Hey PENSHOPPE, why are you doing this to us?

You tapped a dashing heartthrob from Hollywood as an endorser, created a big buzz, and transformed every Pinay into local versions of Gossip Girl with dapper ED WESTWICK.

Then we've fallen prey to Asian sensation and super cutie MARIO MAURER of Thailand. We are all feeling The Love of Siam!

Just when we thought two are enough to heat up our summer, you are bringing us the ultimate hottie of all, ZAC EFRON, and can't help but feel like we're The Lucky One.

Although this was the big trending news last week, I have to include Zac, the greatest crush, in my blog. No way I am letting this pass! To tell you all, Geo and I, as stylists, were fantasizing long ago about this Hollywood A-lister as an endorser, until PENSHOPPE got him (his first-ever international endorsement, would you believe) and made our - and other swooning fans' - dream come true.

Isn't it exciting that this hunk has penchant for something Pinoy?! He has Pinoy friends, his dad has profound memories of the Philippines, even his Highschool Musical co-star and ex-girlfriend (Vanessa Hudgens) is half-Filipino.

According to an article written by Ricky Lo for Philippine Star last Sunday, Zac will probably visit the Philippines after he finishes promoting his latest movie, “The Lucky One,” in Australia and Japan. PR Asia Worldwide head Joyce Ramirez, who closed the deal between Penshoppe and Efron, told Lo that more foreign stars are set to join Penshoppe’s “All Stars” campaign. Meaning, there's more? I so cannot wait! But I'll take Zac anytime, anywhere!







NOTE: Pictures were grabbed from Penshoppe, philstar.com, inquirer.net